MESHCOREPortugal Flag

  • Home
  • Configurator
  • Documentation

  • Map
  • List
  • Statistics
  • Packets

We connect
people and things,
without the internet.

MeshCore is a cross-platform system that enables text communications using common LoRa radio equipment. It is a system that offers 100% off-grid communication and is ideal for emergency response, outdoor activities, or simply for those who wish to have an alternative means of communication when traditional networks fail.
Resilience

What makes us special?

MeshCore operates exclusively with radio frequency (RF), making it a practical and effective solution for communications. By using RF, you eliminate the dependency on internet or mobile phone networks, enabling communication in remote areas or during emergency situations. This makes MeshCore a truly off-grid system, as it doesn't require traditional infrastructure such as telecommunications towers or internet providers.

Hardware

Which equipment is required

MeshCore is available on a variety of LoRa devices, each device can run different types of firmware depending on the intended function in the network.
The radios are available in various bands (433MHz, 868MHz and 915MHz) and it is important to use only the band for which you purchased the equipment.

Heltec Mesh Node T114

Compact pocket-sized device with excellent battery efficiency, supporting all frequency bands. Powered by nRF52840 MCU and SX1262 LoRa chip.


Heltec T114

Best battery life of all clients. Ultra-low power consumption ideal for solar-powered setups and long-term deployments. Optional display and GPS. Compact pocket size.

AliExpress

Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V3

Pocket-sized device supporting all frequency bands. Features ESP32-S3FN8 MCU and SX1262 LoRa chip.


Heltec Wireless Stick Lite v3

Most popular client with WiFi, Bluetooth, and LoRa connectivity. Built-in OLED display shows status information. Good balance of features and battery life. Pocket-sized and beginner-friendly.

Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V4

Pocket-sized device with enhanced transmission power, supporting 868MHz band only.


Heltec Wireless Stick v4

Upgraded version of V3 with more power and longer range. Solar panel and GPS interfaces built-in. Protected OLED display. Best choice if you need maximum transmission power.

Lilygo T-Echo

Backpack-sized device with environmental sensors and excellent battery efficiency, supporting all frequency bands.


Lilygo T-Echo

Backpack-sized device with nRF52840 MCU and SX1262 LoRa chip. Features 1.54" e-paper display, L76K GPS module, and optional BME280 environmental sensor. Excellent battery life (850mAh) with ultra-low power e-ink display. Perfect for outdoor adventures.

Lilygo T-Deck / T-Deck Plus

All-in-one device supporting all frequency bands with integrated keyboard and display.


Lilygo T-Deck Plus

All-in-one standalone device with ESP32-S3FN16R8 dual-core MCU and SX1262 LoRa chip (22dBm TX power). Features integrated 2.8" display, full QWERTY keyboard, trackball, microphone, and speaker. Bulky but complete messaging solution. Plus version includes GPS.

SenseCAP Card Tracker T1000-E

Credit card-sized tracker with GPS and environmental sensors, supporting all frequency bands. Powered by nRF52840 MCU and LR1110 LoRa chip.


SenseCAP Card Tracker T1000-E

Ultra-compact card-sized tracker (85x55x6.5mm) with Semtech LR1110 LoRa chip and Mediatek AG3335 GPS module. Features IP65 rating, 700mAh battery, temperature/light/motion sensors, and Bluetooth 5.1. Perfect for asset tracking and outdoor adventures in areas without cellular coverage.

Firmware

Which software is required

The recommended firmware to start communicating is the BLE Companion, that is, the Bluetooth client.

BLE Companion

Connects via Bluetooth to Android or iOS devices with the MeshCore application

Wireless connection
Mobile application
Easy setup

USB Serial Companion

Connects via USB Serial to computers or mobile devices with web client

USB connection
Web client
Multiplatform

Repeater

Extends the range of the MeshCore network by intelligently routing packets to the destination device. Unlike other LoRa mesh systems, it does not retransmit all packets it receives. Can be administered remotely through a T-Deck with unlocked administration functionalities or from a BLE Companion client connected to a smartphone.

Range extension
Intelligent routing
Remote administration

Room Server

Simple BBS server for message sharing with history. Stores messages and sends them to users, allowing mobile users to return later to retrieve history. When a client connects, it receives the last 32 unseen messages. Works like an email server where you can come back later to get your messages.

Message storage
Message history

While a room server can also function as a repeater (command "set repeat on"), it is not recommended nor encouraged. A room server with repetition enabled lacks the complete set of repeater and remote administration features that are only available in the repeater firmware.

The recommendation is to run repeaters and room servers on separate devices for the best experience.

Configuration

Configuration parameters for Portugal

The network operates on two distinct bands interconnected through dedicated bridges. In Portugal, the community is significantly more active on the 433 MHz band, however the 868 MHz band is rapidly expanding.

433 MHz Band

Popular network

Maximum power of 10 mW e.r.p.

Frequency:

433.375 MHz

Bandwidth (BW):

62.5 kHz

Spreading Factor (SF):

9

Coding Rate (CR):

6

Transmit Power (dBm):

10

868 MHz Band

Growing network

Maximum power of 500 mW e.r.p.

Frequency:

869.618 MHz

Bandwidth (BW):

62.5 kHz

Spreading Factor (SF):

7

Coding Rate (CR):

6

Transmit Power (dBm):

27

Before making a decision, it is recommended to check our coverage map and look for repeaters in your area.

In case of doubt, it is suggested to purchase equipment in the 433 MHz band to ensure greater compatibility with the existing network.

Process

How to configure your MeshCore equipment

The configuration process is simple and straightforward, following three main steps.

Web Flasher

Use the official Web Flasher to install firmware on your device. Choose the correct model and desired firmware type (Client, Repeater or Room Server).

Useful links:

Web FlasherFirmware Downloads
Chrome

Mobile Application

Configure the final parameters through the MeshCore application. Available for Android on Google Play Store and for iOS on App Store.

Useful links:

Web ApplicationsGoogle Play StoreApp Store
Android & iOS

LoRa Parameters

Enter the specific parameters for Portugal according to the chosen frequency band. Check the coverage map to choose the best band for your area.

Useful links:

Coverage MapConfigurator
433 MHz
868 MHz